The investigation into the failed coup attempt of December 6 and 7 in Benin is taking on an explosive regional dimension. The first elements, leaking from Beninese intelligence services, no longer point to a simple mutiny, but to a complex operation, meticulously planned, financed and coordinated by members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), notably Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.

The emerging scenario is that of a hybrid war , combining covert funding, the recruitment of mercenaries and a massive online influence campaign, aimed at overthrowing President Patrice Talon.

💰 Nigerien Money: 500 Million CFA Francs Traced

The heart of the operation lies in its financing. Investigators have traced mobile money transfers to Benin, originating in Niger.

1. The ringleader : Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, identified as the leader of the Beninese coup plotters, allegedly received the funds.
2. The amounts : An initial payment of 100 million CFA francs (approximately €152,450) was reportedly used for the initial structuring and payment of recruited soldiers. A second payment of 400 million CFA francs (approximately €609,800) reportedly financed the launch of the assault.
3. The promise : In case of success, Tigri was reportedly promised a sum of 5 billion CFA francs .

These "structured" money transfers implicate General Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of state of Niger, as the external mastermind. According to a source, this set of indicators demonstrates "clear command and a coherent strategy integrated into a regional vision."

📣 The Influential Duo: Kemi Seba and Ibrahim Maïga

The information and logistics aspects were allegedly managed by pro-junta activists, acting as transmission belts between the AES and the Beninese military conspirators.

1. Kemi Seba (Franco-Beninese) : The activist, in "regular communication" with General Tiani, is suspected of having activated a "cohort of cyber-activists" to announce an imminent "deluge" in Benin on social networks.
2. Ibrahim Maïga (Burkinabe) : Known for his pro-junta positions, Maïga is said to have collaborated with Nigerien and Burkinabe mercenaries already infiltrated in Benin.

Their mission was allegedly to conduct an online campaign to prepare public opinion for the arrival of the mutineers and to make a coup d'état acceptable rather than the classic electoral process.

💻 Burkina Faso: Master of Information Warfare

The online propaganda effort was reportedly primarily entrusted to Burkina Faso . Burkinabe authorities are said to have committed to "strengthening propaganda on Facebook, TikTok and YouTube" through their cyber-activists.

1. The objective : To produce manipulated images, videos and fake press releases to "deceive the vigilance of the population", impose the idea that the power had already been overthrown and prevent any mobilization of support for President Talon.
2. A disturbing coincidence : The reopening of the land borders between Niger and Benin, the day before the coup (December 6), is seen by investigators as an act that would have "facilitated the transport of weapons" intended for the assault.

After the attempt failed, with the Beninese army quickly routing the mutineers, Sahelian propaganda stepped up its game, flooding the networks with rumors (the president's flight, the army's rallying, etc.).

🇹🇬 The Silence of Togo: A Shadowy Area

A major question mark remains: the silence of Togo . Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, the alleged leader, is believed to have taken refuge in this neighboring country after the operation failed.

More than five days after the events, Lomé had still not officially reacted. Worse, it is suggested that Tigri is receiving "discreet protection" there. The investigation will have to determine whether this passivity stems from simple neutrality or active complicity with the coup plotters.

Conclusion: The attempted coup goes far beyond a simple internal mutiny. It highlights new methods of regional destabilization , where covert financing and information warfare are central pillars of offensives conducted in the sub-region.